Manchester United reached the semi-final of the Capital One Cup with a convincing 0-2 over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. The delayed in the first half due to a hail storm, but Ashley Young provided them the lead in the second half with a wonderful strike. The 28-year-old has had a troublesome start to this season as he received a lot of criticism for his performance and diving in recent times. But Young regained a lot of support from the United fans after this performance and this will come as an added boost for David Moyes. Patrice Evra also showed that he possesses a good right foot as he curled one past Sorensen in the 78th minute to put the game beyond any doubts. Manchester United will now face Sunderland in the next round and a potential cup final against Manchester City.

David Moyes felt that the first goal was important in this tight game and that the conditions made it hard for the players to perform at their best, especially in the first half.

“I think the first goal tonight, whoever got it, was going to make a big difference.

“It was a tight game, we had some good play at times but we hadn’t created too many chances, but I don’t think Stoke created too many either. I thought that once we got the first goal we were in control. When we got the second goal, we went on and saw the game out well.

“The conditions were a leveller, particularly in the first half it was really difficult for the players to play. The wind was blowing all over the place. Players will tell you that to play in heavy wind is as bad as anything.” – The Manchester United manager said.

This tournament has provided Moyes with the perfect opportunity to win his first trophy with Manchester United and was delighted with the fact that they have now reached the semi-final.

“Manchester United Football Club are used to winning trophies, so it’s no surprise to them and it’s nothing different. It’s business as usual but we are all delighted that we’re in the semi-final.

“Going into the last couple of rounds it looked like the top teams were going to be in and around the semi-finals, but some big results tonight and last night mean it has changed around a little bit.” – He added.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur were knocked-out of the tournament as they suffered another home defeat against West Ham United. This was their first back-to-back home defeat against the Hammers since 1966. Spurs, who sacked Andre Villas Boas after a shambolic defeat at the hands of Liverpool at White Hart Lane at the weekend, were managed by Tim Sherwood and he made quite a few changes to the set-up.

The home side started the match brightly, but had to wait till the 67th minute of the game to take the lead. Emmanuel Adebayor, who was ignored by Villa Boas during his reign, returned to the side and scored with an wonderful volley as Jermaine Defoe set him up with a lovely cross. But Spurs failed to put the game beyond West Ham despite dominating possession and at 1-0 Sam Allardyce’s men were always in with a chance. West Ham put Spurs under immense pressure in the last 10 minute of the game and scored two goals in space of five minutes to win the match. Matthew Jarvis scored the equalizer with a wonderful left-footed drive, while Modibo Maiga popped up with the winner as he headed in a cross from Mohamed Diame. It was Maiga’s first goal for the club in over a year, and it was certainly worth the wait. West Ham will now face Manchester City in the semi-final of the League Cup.

Tim Sherwood remained uncertain about his future in the job and suggested that there are a lot of contenders for the job at White Hart Lane.

“I don’t know if I’ll be Spurs manager – I haven’t spoken to the chairman.

“We have to have a chat and see. It has to fit me and the club. The club have to make the right appointment – as you can imagine the list is as long as your arm.

“There are a lot of big names in the frame. It depends who the chairman thinks is the right one.

“It is new for me. I have enjoyed it. It is a new voice for the players. I am trying to get the best out of them. It is difficult to get the message across of how I want to play in a few days.